Evaluating Inequity in Access to Park-Based Physical Activity at the Sub-District Scale: A Case Study in Xianyang, China

Mingyang He, Hongqian Ren, Wenxi Wang, Xiaoxiao Feng and Kai Wang ()
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Mingyang He: College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
Hongqian Ren: College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
Wenxi Wang: College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
Xiaoxiao Feng: College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
Kai Wang: College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 12, 1-23

Abstract: Urban densification has heightened residents’ demand for equitable access to urban park services, particularly those that support physical activity (PA). This access is crucial for public health and sustainable urban development. We developed the Park-Based Physical Activity Composite Attractiveness Score (PCAS) to assess the supply and service equity of parks at the sub-district scale in the central city of Xianyang, western China. The average PCAS for all parks in the study area was 46, with 69% scoring below the benchmark of 60, indicating that the parks fail to meet residents’ PA needs. We found a significant imbalance in park distribution. The 14 sub-districts we measured had an average supply score of 42 and a demand score of 49, demonstrating a clustering of park services in areas with natural resources and higher socioeconomic status. While the overall park service level was found to be reasonably equitable (Gini coefficient of 0.38), a large gap in the sub-dimensional indicators point to inequities in park services. The following scenario optimization suggested that adding new parks could more effectively enhance equity and residents’ PA levels than simply increasing park facilities. Our results provide valuable insights for urban park planning and policy-making, and contribute to the development of more equitable and accessible park services to achieve public health objectives.

Keywords: equity; physical activity; sub-district; urban park service (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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